The Magpies were one of the surprise packages of the 2011-12 season as they challenged for a place in the Champions League before ending up just outside the top four in fifth place.

This term has been considerably more challenging for Alan Pardew's side as they sit in 13th place after suffering 15 defeats so far, but top-scorer Cisse still believes they should target a top 10 finish and push for glory in Europe.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "We have the Europa League still. We are now into the important stages of the competition. Nobody knows if we'll win it. But the aim is to get to the final and I think that we can achieve that.

"I'm happy because I've scored a few goals and the team are starting to play well. We have enough games left now that can take us to a top-10 position.

"That is important for us. We need to start looking to next season already. That would give us a solid foundation to build from. I know that's the objective of the gaffer. We look at our remaining games and we feel we can get the wins we need to do it."